ACC ~ Acts 1 v15

THE FISHERMAN’S VOCATION CHANGED. ARATOR: Foremost among the band of apostles, Peter had been called from his small boat; the scaly throng were wont to be caught by this fisher; suddenly, seen from the shore as he drew [his nets], he himself deserved to be drawn; Christ’s fishing deigned to seize a disciple who must stretch the nets which are to catch the human race. To the hand that had borne the fishhook was transferred the key. He who had been eager to shift the dripping booty from the depths of the sea to the shore and to fill the craft with spoils, now in another area draws from the better waves [of baptism]; no longer pursuing his profits through the waters, he forsakes his profession. To him the Lamb entrusted the sheep which he saved by his passion; and he enlarges his flock throughout the whole world under this shepherd. ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.

THE SYMBOL OF THE HUNDRED AND TWENTY. BEDE: These hundred and twenty, built up gradually by addition [of the numbers] from one to fifteen yields fifteen as the number of steps [in the calculation]. By reason of the perfection of both laws, this is mystically contained in the psalter, and for this [number of days] the “vessel of election” dwelled with Peterin Jerusalem. COMMENTARY ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 1.15.

THE BROTHERHOOD OF BELIEVERS. CHRYSOSTOM: “Men, brothers,” says Peter. If even the Lord called them brothers, all the more should Peter when they were all present. What dignity of church, what angelic condition! There was no distinction then, neither male nor female. I wish the churches were like that now. No one had his mind full of worldly matter; no one was anxiously thinking about household concerns. In this way even temptations may become a benefit and afflictions an advantage. HOMILIES ON THE ACTS OF THE APOSTLES 3.

Acts